Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi while addressing a rally in Bhind(MP) , lashed out at state BJP government and said that the funds sent by Centre did not reach to the poor people of this region. He said that there had been huge misuse of public fund. Congress General Secretary said, “I can’t say how much money is misused, BJP is ruling here and they can say only as to how much fund they have looted.”...
He accused BJP for the backwardness of Bundelkhand. He said, “There is no development in Bundelkhand and population has migrated to other places.. There is no water and no roads. People of this region are wandering in Mumbai and Delhi for job but Shiv Sena people are threatening them.” He criticized BJP for not condemning the hooliganism of Shiv Sena and said, “Shiv Sena is attacking the people of UP, MP and Bihar while BJP has kept mum on this.”
Congress General Secretary said that his party has always worked for the poor, Dalits and the backwards. He said that UPA government had fulfilled the promises made to people. He cited NREGS and loan waiver for the farmers as example. He said, “UPA government carried out the largest Rural Employment Guarantee Programme and ensured hundred days employment for all.” He said that Mid-day meal for school going children was another big achievement of UPA government.
He criticized BJP on terrorism and said that during NDA rule terrorist attacked our Parliament. “Now they have forgotten what happened during their rule. A central minister was sent to escort terrorist to Kandhar, but now they say that our PM is weak,” he said.
Praising Prime Minister Manmohan Singh he said that it was the tremendous pressure of our PM that first time ever Pakistan has accepted our terms after Mumbai terror attack.
He sought the support of the people to vote for Congress so that it could serve the poor.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Residents appeal for peace in Pakistani valley
Thousands of people rallied in Pakistan's Buner valley on Sunday to call on the government and the Taliban to avoid conflict as fears grew of an imminent military offensive in the northwest region.
The Taliban's creeping advance towards Islamabad -- Buner is just 100 km (60 miles) northwest of the Pakistani capital -- has heightened concern in the United States about stability of its nuclear-armed Muslim ally.
U.S. officials want Pakistan to take a stand rather than cede more territory to militants through policies of appeasement like the decision earlier this month to introduce Islamic law in a large chunk of North West Frontier Province. Emboldened after winning that concession, Taliban fighters moved into Buner from the neighbouring Swat valley, but their commander ordered some of them to withdraw on Friday, leaving behind only those fighters who hailed from Buner.
Western governments that need Pakistan's support to defeat al Qaeda and succeed in stabilising Afghanistan, dread the idea of any threat to the security of Pakistan's nuclear weapons.
"We can't even contemplate that," U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said in an interview with Fox News in Baghdad.
"We cannot ... let this go on any further. Which is why we're pushing so hard for the Pakistanis to come together around a strategy to take their country back."
CALL FOR RESTRAINT
People living on the frontline in Buner had another perspective.
They fear they will have to flee their homes if their valley becomes a battleground, and at a rally in Buner town called for the Taliban and government to show restraint.
"We appeal to the Taliban to stop shows of force and display of weapons, as there is no justification for it after enforcement of Nizam-e-Adl regulation," Mian Said Laiq, a politician, told the rally, referring to sharia, or Islamic law.
President Asif Ali Zardari last week reluctantly sanctioned the introduction of sharia in Malakand Division, which includes Swat and Buner, in the hope that it would help pacify the region.
On Saturday, 12 children were killed by a bomb hidden in a football in Lower Dir, part of Malakand Division, and Interior Ministry chief Rehman Malik on Sunday blamed the Taliban.
"The Taliban have exposed their real face by killing innocent children," Malik said.
During the rally in Buner, cleric Misbahuddin Malikpuri warned the government against deploying security forces if the Taliban committed to keeping the peace.
"If government sent troops to Buner despite the Taliban's commitment not to disturb peace, then we will be with the Taliban," he added.
Pakistan's allies want to see a coherent, decisive action by Pakistan, and Zardari may want to show some steel before talks in Washington with President Barack Obama and his Afghan counterpart Hamid Karzai on May 6-7.
Pakistani officials say they are trying to use political means to reduce the violence, but there are growing signs that the government is preparing to unleash the military
The Taliban's creeping advance towards Islamabad -- Buner is just 100 km (60 miles) northwest of the Pakistani capital -- has heightened concern in the United States about stability of its nuclear-armed Muslim ally.
U.S. officials want Pakistan to take a stand rather than cede more territory to militants through policies of appeasement like the decision earlier this month to introduce Islamic law in a large chunk of North West Frontier Province. Emboldened after winning that concession, Taliban fighters moved into Buner from the neighbouring Swat valley, but their commander ordered some of them to withdraw on Friday, leaving behind only those fighters who hailed from Buner.
Western governments that need Pakistan's support to defeat al Qaeda and succeed in stabilising Afghanistan, dread the idea of any threat to the security of Pakistan's nuclear weapons.
"We can't even contemplate that," U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said in an interview with Fox News in Baghdad.
"We cannot ... let this go on any further. Which is why we're pushing so hard for the Pakistanis to come together around a strategy to take their country back."
CALL FOR RESTRAINT
People living on the frontline in Buner had another perspective.
They fear they will have to flee their homes if their valley becomes a battleground, and at a rally in Buner town called for the Taliban and government to show restraint.
"We appeal to the Taliban to stop shows of force and display of weapons, as there is no justification for it after enforcement of Nizam-e-Adl regulation," Mian Said Laiq, a politician, told the rally, referring to sharia, or Islamic law.
President Asif Ali Zardari last week reluctantly sanctioned the introduction of sharia in Malakand Division, which includes Swat and Buner, in the hope that it would help pacify the region.
On Saturday, 12 children were killed by a bomb hidden in a football in Lower Dir, part of Malakand Division, and Interior Ministry chief Rehman Malik on Sunday blamed the Taliban.
"The Taliban have exposed their real face by killing innocent children," Malik said.
During the rally in Buner, cleric Misbahuddin Malikpuri warned the government against deploying security forces if the Taliban committed to keeping the peace.
"If government sent troops to Buner despite the Taliban's commitment not to disturb peace, then we will be with the Taliban," he added.
Pakistan's allies want to see a coherent, decisive action by Pakistan, and Zardari may want to show some steel before talks in Washington with President Barack Obama and his Afghan counterpart Hamid Karzai on May 6-7.
Pakistani officials say they are trying to use political means to reduce the violence, but there are growing signs that the government is preparing to unleash the military
Mexico flu sparks worldwide fear
Mexican authorities have taken drastic measures to contain a new strain of the swine flu virus that has killed 81 and prompted fears of a global pandemic.
People are being urged to stay at home and maintain strict personal hygiene. Many schools, public buildings, bars and restaurants have been closed.
Non-fatal cases have been confirmed in the US and are likely in New Zealand.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that at least some of the cases are a new strain of the virus.
SWINE FLU
Swine flu is a respiratory disease found in pigs
Human cases usually occur in those who have contact with pigs
Human-to-human transmission is rare and such cases are closely monitored
Q&A: Swine flu
UK monitoring swine flu outbreak
H1N1 is the same strain that causes seasonal flu outbreaks in humans, but the newly detected version contains genetic material from versions of flu which usually affect pigs and birds.
The respiratory virus - which infects pigs but only sporadically humans - is spread mainly through coughs and sneezes.
The WHO has warned the virus has the potential to become a pandemic.
Suspected outbreaks
Although all of the deaths so far have been in Mexico, the flu is spreading in the United States and suspected cases have been detected elsewhere:
Eleven confirmed infections in the US
In addition, eight suspected cases are being investigated at a New York City high school where about 200 students fell mildly ill with flu-like symptoms
Ten New Zealand students are among a group which travelled to Mexico have tested positive for influenza A - making it "likely", though not definite, that they are infected with swine flu, said Health Minister Tony Ryall
In France, a top health official told Le Parisien newspaper there were unconfirmed suspicions that two individuals who had just returned from Mexico may be carrying the virus
But a UK hospital conducting tests for swine flu on a British Airways cabin crew member said the tests proved negative.
Mexico shutdown
The Mexican government, which has faced criticism for what some see as a slow reaction to this outbreak, is now taking an increasingly hard line to try to contain the virus, says the BBC's Stephen Gibbs in Mexico City.
Public buildings have been closed and hundreds of public events suspended.
It's eerily quiet here in the capital. Lots of people with masks
Schools in and around Mexico City have been closed until 6 May, and some 70% of bars and restaurants in the capital have been temporarily closed.
People are being strongly urged to avoid shaking hands, and the US embassy has advised visitors to the country to keep at least six feet (1.8m) from other people.
Mexico's Health Secretary, Jose Cordova, said a total of 1,324 people had been admitted to hospital with suspected symptoms since 13 April and were being tested for the virus.
PANDEMIC CRITERIA
Virus can infect people
It can easily spread person-to-person
No immunity in humans
"In that same period, 81 deaths were recorded probably linked to the virus but only in 20 cases we have the laboratory tests to confirm it," he said.
Mexico's President Felipe Calderon has announced emergency measures to deal with the situation.
They include powers to isolate individuals suspected of having the virus without fear of legal repercussions
People are being urged to stay at home and maintain strict personal hygiene. Many schools, public buildings, bars and restaurants have been closed.
Non-fatal cases have been confirmed in the US and are likely in New Zealand.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that at least some of the cases are a new strain of the virus.
SWINE FLU
Swine flu is a respiratory disease found in pigs
Human cases usually occur in those who have contact with pigs
Human-to-human transmission is rare and such cases are closely monitored
Q&A: Swine flu
UK monitoring swine flu outbreak
H1N1 is the same strain that causes seasonal flu outbreaks in humans, but the newly detected version contains genetic material from versions of flu which usually affect pigs and birds.
The respiratory virus - which infects pigs but only sporadically humans - is spread mainly through coughs and sneezes.
The WHO has warned the virus has the potential to become a pandemic.
Suspected outbreaks
Although all of the deaths so far have been in Mexico, the flu is spreading in the United States and suspected cases have been detected elsewhere:
Eleven confirmed infections in the US
In addition, eight suspected cases are being investigated at a New York City high school where about 200 students fell mildly ill with flu-like symptoms
Ten New Zealand students are among a group which travelled to Mexico have tested positive for influenza A - making it "likely", though not definite, that they are infected with swine flu, said Health Minister Tony Ryall
In France, a top health official told Le Parisien newspaper there were unconfirmed suspicions that two individuals who had just returned from Mexico may be carrying the virus
But a UK hospital conducting tests for swine flu on a British Airways cabin crew member said the tests proved negative.
Mexico shutdown
The Mexican government, which has faced criticism for what some see as a slow reaction to this outbreak, is now taking an increasingly hard line to try to contain the virus, says the BBC's Stephen Gibbs in Mexico City.
Public buildings have been closed and hundreds of public events suspended.
It's eerily quiet here in the capital. Lots of people with masks
Schools in and around Mexico City have been closed until 6 May, and some 70% of bars and restaurants in the capital have been temporarily closed.
People are being strongly urged to avoid shaking hands, and the US embassy has advised visitors to the country to keep at least six feet (1.8m) from other people.
Mexico's Health Secretary, Jose Cordova, said a total of 1,324 people had been admitted to hospital with suspected symptoms since 13 April and were being tested for the virus.
PANDEMIC CRITERIA
Virus can infect people
It can easily spread person-to-person
No immunity in humans
"In that same period, 81 deaths were recorded probably linked to the virus but only in 20 cases we have the laboratory tests to confirm it," he said.
Mexico's President Felipe Calderon has announced emergency measures to deal with the situation.
They include powers to isolate individuals suspected of having the virus without fear of legal repercussions
Tamil Tiger rebels call ceasefire
Tamil Tiger rebels fighting government forces in north-east Sri Lanka have declared a unilateral ceasefire.
A Tamil Tiger spokesman told the BBC the move was due to what he called an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.
The Sri Lankan defence minister government told the BBC he dismissed the announcement, calling it a joke.
The rebels are surrounded by troops in a 12 sq km (5 sq m) area. The UN says more than 160,000 civilians have fled the area but 50,000 remain.
A Tamil Tiger spokesman told the BBC the move was due to what he called an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.
The Sri Lankan defence minister government told the BBC he dismissed the announcement, calling it a joke.
The rebels are surrounded by troops in a 12 sq km (5 sq m) area. The UN says more than 160,000 civilians have fled the area but 50,000 remain.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Babri demolition a dead issue, says BJP
Dismissing the Babri Masjid demolition as a "dead issue", the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday accused the Congress of raking up the matter to divert people's attention from real issues of economy, price rise, farmers' suicides, unemployment and terrorism.
"Congress is becoming jittery and they are all raising dead issues...Babri", senior BJP leader M Venkaiah Naidu told a press conference in Bangalore.
He said the real issues concern economy, price rise, farmers' suicides, unemployment and terrorism but neither Congress president Sonia Gandhi, nor Rahul Gandhi nor the Congress party had the "capacity" to talk about these issues.
Babri Masjid demolition is of no "consequence" for the people now, he said, adding, "nobody is worried about Babri (demolition) now. It's virtually a forgotten issue but for pseudo-secular political parties".
Naidu also sought to attack key regional parties, saying they raised the bogey of secularism whenever it suited them and noting that DMK, AIADMK, TDP, JDS, BJD, PMK and MDMK had joined hands with BJP in the past (and not in BJP-led NDA now).
He said the BJP wants to caution the people about the 'so-called secular' parties who had always raised the bogey of secularism and termed it a biggest fraud on the people. "To cover up corruption, Lalu Prasad talks of secularism", he said.
"Congress is becoming jittery and they are all raising dead issues...Babri", senior BJP leader M Venkaiah Naidu told a press conference in Bangalore.
He said the real issues concern economy, price rise, farmers' suicides, unemployment and terrorism but neither Congress president Sonia Gandhi, nor Rahul Gandhi nor the Congress party had the "capacity" to talk about these issues.
Babri Masjid demolition is of no "consequence" for the people now, he said, adding, "nobody is worried about Babri (demolition) now. It's virtually a forgotten issue but for pseudo-secular political parties".
Naidu also sought to attack key regional parties, saying they raised the bogey of secularism whenever it suited them and noting that DMK, AIADMK, TDP, JDS, BJD, PMK and MDMK had joined hands with BJP in the past (and not in BJP-led NDA now).
He said the BJP wants to caution the people about the 'so-called secular' parties who had always raised the bogey of secularism and termed it a biggest fraud on the people. "To cover up corruption, Lalu Prasad talks of secularism", he said.
Sri Lanka keeps mum as refugees’ cries get louder
Sri Lanka was silent on India’s appeal to cease hostilities with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) more than a day after National Security Advisor MK Narayanan and Foreign Secretary SS Menon met President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Friday.
Though External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee spoke about cessation of hostilities on Thursday, it was learnt India did not press for it at Friday’s meeting.
The Lankan foreign ministry was tightlipped about the interaction. “We certainly discussed the situation of the 1.7 lakh refugees,” Foreign Secretary Palitha Kohona said.
“We fear a further delay could result in a crisis similar to that faced in Darfur,” said a statement released by pro-LTTE website TamilNet.Com.On Saturday, AIADMK chief Jayalalithaa firmly backed a separate Tamil Eelam, saying that alone would end the strife.
About 50,000 civilians are trapped in the conflict between government troops and the LTTE. The LTTE said nearly 1.65 lakh civilians in areas controlled by it and accused Lankan authorities of blocking food and humanitarian supplies.
“We fear a further delay could result in a crisis similar to that faced in Darfur,” said a statement released by pro-LTTE website TamilNet.Com.
Hundreds of Tamil civilians fleeing the war zone arrived at Pudukudiyyurippu village, once a vital supply line of the LTTE, which now bears witness to its imminent defeat.
“The LTTE did not tell us anything. We are very scared of the puligal (Tigers); they have sophisticated weapons. How can we think of escaping?” said Arumugam, a villager.
A woman who fled the no-fire zone along with her four-year-old grandson said they had had enough of gunfire. “Enough is enough. We hope to live in peace at least from now on,” she said. In the midst of all this, journalists made a beeline to look at the birth certificate of LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran and his son Charles Antony, which were neatly laminated and kept for public view. Lankan troops also recovered the horoscope and photo albums of Prabhakaran in Pudukudiyirippu.
The more than one-hour long drive from Kilinochchi, the LTTE’s former political capital, to Pudukudiyyiruppu revealed scenes of devastation caused by the civil war that has raged for over a quarter of a century. An elderly man, who managed to give the slip to the security forces, said civilians were being shelled by both sides.
UN humanitarian chief John Holmes was expected in Colombo on Saturday for a three-day visit that will focus on civilians trapped in the conflict zone. UN chief Ban Ki-moon announced Thursday that an emergency team would also head to the violence-wracked nation. Meanwhile, the US has expressed deep concern over the plight of civilians. “We call on both sides to stop fighting immediately and allow civilians to safely leave the combat zone,” a White House statement said.
Though External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee spoke about cessation of hostilities on Thursday, it was learnt India did not press for it at Friday’s meeting.
The Lankan foreign ministry was tightlipped about the interaction. “We certainly discussed the situation of the 1.7 lakh refugees,” Foreign Secretary Palitha Kohona said.
“We fear a further delay could result in a crisis similar to that faced in Darfur,” said a statement released by pro-LTTE website TamilNet.Com.On Saturday, AIADMK chief Jayalalithaa firmly backed a separate Tamil Eelam, saying that alone would end the strife.
About 50,000 civilians are trapped in the conflict between government troops and the LTTE. The LTTE said nearly 1.65 lakh civilians in areas controlled by it and accused Lankan authorities of blocking food and humanitarian supplies.
“We fear a further delay could result in a crisis similar to that faced in Darfur,” said a statement released by pro-LTTE website TamilNet.Com.
Hundreds of Tamil civilians fleeing the war zone arrived at Pudukudiyyurippu village, once a vital supply line of the LTTE, which now bears witness to its imminent defeat.
“The LTTE did not tell us anything. We are very scared of the puligal (Tigers); they have sophisticated weapons. How can we think of escaping?” said Arumugam, a villager.
A woman who fled the no-fire zone along with her four-year-old grandson said they had had enough of gunfire. “Enough is enough. We hope to live in peace at least from now on,” she said. In the midst of all this, journalists made a beeline to look at the birth certificate of LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran and his son Charles Antony, which were neatly laminated and kept for public view. Lankan troops also recovered the horoscope and photo albums of Prabhakaran in Pudukudiyirippu.
The more than one-hour long drive from Kilinochchi, the LTTE’s former political capital, to Pudukudiyyiruppu revealed scenes of devastation caused by the civil war that has raged for over a quarter of a century. An elderly man, who managed to give the slip to the security forces, said civilians were being shelled by both sides.
UN humanitarian chief John Holmes was expected in Colombo on Saturday for a three-day visit that will focus on civilians trapped in the conflict zone. UN chief Ban Ki-moon announced Thursday that an emergency team would also head to the violence-wracked nation. Meanwhile, the US has expressed deep concern over the plight of civilians. “We call on both sides to stop fighting immediately and allow civilians to safely leave the combat zone,” a White House statement said.
Mexico flu 'a potential pandemic'
A new flu virus suspected of killing at least 60 people in Mexico has the potential to become a pandemic, the World Health Organization's chief says.
Margaret Chan said the outbreak was a "health emergency of international concern" and must be closely monitored.
Health experts say tests so far seem to link the illnesses in Mexico with a swine flu virus in the southern US.
Several people have also fallen ill in the US, and the authorities there are watching the situation.
A top US health official said the strain of swine flu had spread widely and could not be contained.
Speaking after a meeting of the WHO's emergency committee, Mrs Chan said that "the current events constitute a public health emergency of international concern".
HAVE YOUR SAY I work as a resident doctor in one of the biggest hospitals in Mexico City and sadly, the situation is far from 'under control'
Yeny Gregorio Davila, Mexico City
Read more experiences The WHO is advising all member states to be vigilant for seasonally unusual flu or pneumonia-like symptoms among their populations - particularly among young healthy adults.
Officials said most of those killed so far in Mexico were young adults - rather than more vulnerable children and the elderly.
The committee has not recommended declaring an international public health emergency and raising the global pandemic alert level, a move that could lead to travel advisories, trade restrictions and border closures.
New strain
At least some of the cases show a new version of the H1N1 Swine flu substrain - a respiratory disease which infects pigs.
The RC church has issued advice to its priests to help halt the spread of the flu
It does not normally infect humans, although sporadic cases do occur, usually in people who have had close contact with pigs.
H1N1 is the same strain that causes seasonal flu outbreaks in humans, but the newly detected version contains genetic material from versions which usually affect pigs and birds.
The virus is spread through coughs and sneezes and through direct and indirect contact between people.
Mexican officials have confirmed 18 deaths from the virus and are investigating dozens more.
Schools, museums and libraries have been closed across the capital's region and people are being urged to avoid shaking hands or sharing crockery.
All public events have been suspended, an official said. Two previously sold-out soccer matches were played in empty stadiums to avoid potentially spreading the virus.
Health officials are isolating individuals suspected of having the virus and inspecting their homes.
The Roman Catholic Church in Mexico has recommended measures to avoid further contagion at Mass this Sunday.
Priests have been told to place communion wafers in the hands of worshippers rather than in their mouths and to suggest to the congregation that kissing or shaking hands be avoided during the service.
'Caution'
In the US, 11 people are now known to have been infected with the new strain - seven people in California, two in Texas, and two in Kansas.
There are also eight suspected cases in New York City after 200 students at a high school fell ill.
Specimens were taken from nine students, and eight were determined to be probable cases of swine flu, said city health commissioner Dr Thomas Frieden.
Those samples are now being examined by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
No children had required hospital treatment and many had fully recovered, said Dr Frieden, but the school could remain closed out of "an abundance of caution".
He urged people to maintain basic hygiene, such and covering their mouths when coughing and sneezing, washing hands regularly and keeping surfaces clean.
Dr Frieden said most people would not need to take antiviral medication if they fell ill, unless they had an underlying medical condition.
Hopeful sign
CDC officials have said that with cases arising in so many communities, containment is unlikely to be feasible.
There is currently no vaccine for the new strain.
SWINE FLU
Swine flu is a respiratory disease found in pigs
Human cases usually occur in those who have contact with pigs
Human-to-human transmission is rare and such cases are closely monitored
Q&A: Swine flu
UK monitoring flu outbreak
Tom Skinner of the CDC told the BBC that as efforts to detect the virus increased, it was not surprising that more cases were being identified and that "severe" cases could be expected.
But he said it was too early too tell how widespread the impact would be.
"We don't know how well or efficiently this virus is spreading and how easily it is going to be sustained in the human population," he said.
"Those are questions we have to answer before we're really able to tell what the ultimate impact on public health might be."
Mr Skinner said it was not yet clear which side of the border the virus had originated.
But he said the US was likely to take "normal and routine" steps within the next few days to screen passengers coming into the US and to distribute information.
The CDC plans to send experts to Mexico to help investigate the virus which has infected more than 1,000 people in the country.
The BBC science editor Susan Watts says the new strain is a classic "re-assortment" - a combination feared most by those watching for the flu pandemic.
Margaret Chan said the outbreak was a "health emergency of international concern" and must be closely monitored.
Health experts say tests so far seem to link the illnesses in Mexico with a swine flu virus in the southern US.
Several people have also fallen ill in the US, and the authorities there are watching the situation.
A top US health official said the strain of swine flu had spread widely and could not be contained.
Speaking after a meeting of the WHO's emergency committee, Mrs Chan said that "the current events constitute a public health emergency of international concern".
HAVE YOUR SAY I work as a resident doctor in one of the biggest hospitals in Mexico City and sadly, the situation is far from 'under control'
Yeny Gregorio Davila, Mexico City
Read more experiences The WHO is advising all member states to be vigilant for seasonally unusual flu or pneumonia-like symptoms among their populations - particularly among young healthy adults.
Officials said most of those killed so far in Mexico were young adults - rather than more vulnerable children and the elderly.
The committee has not recommended declaring an international public health emergency and raising the global pandemic alert level, a move that could lead to travel advisories, trade restrictions and border closures.
New strain
At least some of the cases show a new version of the H1N1 Swine flu substrain - a respiratory disease which infects pigs.
The RC church has issued advice to its priests to help halt the spread of the flu
It does not normally infect humans, although sporadic cases do occur, usually in people who have had close contact with pigs.
H1N1 is the same strain that causes seasonal flu outbreaks in humans, but the newly detected version contains genetic material from versions which usually affect pigs and birds.
The virus is spread through coughs and sneezes and through direct and indirect contact between people.
Mexican officials have confirmed 18 deaths from the virus and are investigating dozens more.
Schools, museums and libraries have been closed across the capital's region and people are being urged to avoid shaking hands or sharing crockery.
All public events have been suspended, an official said. Two previously sold-out soccer matches were played in empty stadiums to avoid potentially spreading the virus.
Health officials are isolating individuals suspected of having the virus and inspecting their homes.
The Roman Catholic Church in Mexico has recommended measures to avoid further contagion at Mass this Sunday.
Priests have been told to place communion wafers in the hands of worshippers rather than in their mouths and to suggest to the congregation that kissing or shaking hands be avoided during the service.
'Caution'
In the US, 11 people are now known to have been infected with the new strain - seven people in California, two in Texas, and two in Kansas.
There are also eight suspected cases in New York City after 200 students at a high school fell ill.
Specimens were taken from nine students, and eight were determined to be probable cases of swine flu, said city health commissioner Dr Thomas Frieden.
Those samples are now being examined by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
No children had required hospital treatment and many had fully recovered, said Dr Frieden, but the school could remain closed out of "an abundance of caution".
He urged people to maintain basic hygiene, such and covering their mouths when coughing and sneezing, washing hands regularly and keeping surfaces clean.
Dr Frieden said most people would not need to take antiviral medication if they fell ill, unless they had an underlying medical condition.
Hopeful sign
CDC officials have said that with cases arising in so many communities, containment is unlikely to be feasible.
There is currently no vaccine for the new strain.
SWINE FLU
Swine flu is a respiratory disease found in pigs
Human cases usually occur in those who have contact with pigs
Human-to-human transmission is rare and such cases are closely monitored
Q&A: Swine flu
UK monitoring flu outbreak
Tom Skinner of the CDC told the BBC that as efforts to detect the virus increased, it was not surprising that more cases were being identified and that "severe" cases could be expected.
But he said it was too early too tell how widespread the impact would be.
"We don't know how well or efficiently this virus is spreading and how easily it is going to be sustained in the human population," he said.
"Those are questions we have to answer before we're really able to tell what the ultimate impact on public health might be."
Mr Skinner said it was not yet clear which side of the border the virus had originated.
But he said the US was likely to take "normal and routine" steps within the next few days to screen passengers coming into the US and to distribute information.
The CDC plans to send experts to Mexico to help investigate the virus which has infected more than 1,000 people in the country.
The BBC science editor Susan Watts says the new strain is a classic "re-assortment" - a combination feared most by those watching for the flu pandemic.
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